Global Recycled Metal Market - 2024-2031

Global Recycled Metal Market - 2024-2031

Global Recycled Metal Market reached US$ 2.5 bllion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 4.7 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Recycled metal market is poised for growth, propelled by strategies aimed at securing supply chains for essential metals vital to renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps and batteries. In the quest for decarbonization, nations are adopting hedging strategies to ensure sustainability. In 2023, Recycling pioneer Kuusakoski invests 25 M€ in a major new production line that is being built at the company’s recycling plant in Heinola, Finland, to meet higher demand.

North America dominates the recycled metal market, driven by a confluence of factors promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. Major steel producers like Cleveland-Cliffs, Nucor Corp. and Steel Dynamics Inc. highlight the significantly reduced carbon footprint of American steelmakers compared to their global counterparts, reinforcing the region's leadership in sustainable metal production. In 2022, the Supervisory Board of Aurubis AG, a European-based global provider of non-ferrous metals and one of the largest copper recyclers globally, announced significant and accelerated investment in its U.S. operations.

Dynamics

Government Policies and Investments

Recycled metal market is expected to be driven by government policies and incentives. Chinese government's shift in policies regarding imported scrap materials has led to a resurgence in the recycling market, particularly for nonferrous metals. According to China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Recycling Branch (CMRA), China imported 1.77 million metric tons of red metal scrap and 1.52 million tons of cast aluminum scrap in 2022. The growth is attributed to changes in policies and a more positive outlook on recycled-content nonferrous metals.

Japan is actively working towards increasing its self-sufficiency in base metals by 2050 through an emphasis on recycling and strategic investments. The country's trade, economy and industry ministry is undertaking measures to achieve a target of meeting its entire domestic base metal demand through the recycling of end-use products like lithium-ion batteries and through equity stakes in production projects.

Similarly, the government of India has periodically reduced import duties on various types of scrap metal to make it more affordable for domestic industries. The reductions have been instrumental in incentivizing the import of scrap metal, thus promoting recycling and reducing the demand for virgin materials.

Growing Consumer Demand

Consumer demand is a major driving force behind the recycled metal market, fueled by the increasing global demand for automobiles and electronic devices. The trend aligns with the ongoing surge in industrialization and urbanization, leading to a rise in construction projects and infrastructure development, both reliant on metal resources.

Manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the cost-saving benefits of utilizing recycled metals over extracting them from raw ores, thus promoting the concept of a circular economy and fostering recycling awareness. The automotive sector, in particular, is one of the dominating sector in recycled metal due to its high demand for metals in vehicle production and component manufacturing, making automotive metal recycling a key aspect of the scrap recycling industry.

Supply-chain Constrains

The recycled metal market faces hurdles primarily related to supply chain limitations, stemming from factors such as inconsistent collection infrastructure and logistical complexities. While consumer demand for recycled metals is on the rise, ensuring a steady supply of scrap metal for recycling remains a challenge.

Additionally, variations in quality and composition of recycled metals compared to virgin materials pose technical challenges for manufacturers, impacting their adoption rates. Overcoming these constraints requires investments in efficient collection systems, advancements in sorting and processing technologies and collaborations across the recycling ecosystem to streamline supply chains and enhance the quality of recycled metal products.

Segment Analysis

The global recycled metal market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Growwing Use of Recycled Metals in Construction

Construction sector stands at the forefront of embracing recycled metals, particularly steel, as a cornerstone of its commitment to sustainability, resilience and economic viability. Steel recycling represents a pivotal component of the industry's journey towards environmentally-conscious practices, boasting an impressive recycling rate exceeding 90%. The emphasis on recycled steel underscores the construction industry's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

Currently, approximately 90% of steel utilized in construction projects originates from recycled sources, illustrating a significant paradigm shift towards sustainable procurement practices. The transition reflects a broader industry-wide trend towards embracing eco-friendly initiatives. Notably organizations such as the Steel Framing Industry actively advocate for the adoption of environmentally responsible practices, championing initiatives like Environmental Product Declarations for cold-formed steel framing.

The burgeoning construction sector in India is poised to achieve remarkable growth, with projections indicating a market value of US$ 1.4 trillion by 2025, encompassing a diverse array of 250 sub-sectors with interlinkages across various industries. As the industry continues to expand, the integration of recycled metals, particularly steel, will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development, ensuring long-term resilience and fostering economic prosperity. By embracing recycled metals, the construction sector can pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future, while simultaneously meeting the evolving needs of a dynamic global market.

Geographical Penetration

North America’s Growing Home Recycled Metal Market

North America is one of the dominating region in recycled metal market covering more than 30% of the market expected to be driven by a confluence of factors including robust policy initiatives and technological innovations propelling its continual growth trajectory. A noteworthy impetus behind this surge is the Federal Buy Clean Initiative championed by the Biden-Harris Administration, prioritizing the procurement of construction materials with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, with a distinct preference for recycled sources.

Moreover, the infusion of cutting-edge technology is reshaping the landscape, evidenced by the widespread adoption of refrigerant recovery systems and eco-friendly processes within recycling facilities. The concerted effort underscores the industry's steadfast commitment to pioneering and sustainable recycling methodologies.

Iron and steel scrap, serving as indispensable raw materials for the production of new steel and cast-iron goods, play a pivotal role in sustaining the steelmaking and foundry sectors across U.S. The industry's reliance on scrap availability, sourced from both manufacturing operations and the reclamation of obsolete products, underscores its adaptability and resilience in navigating evolving market dynamics.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players include The major global players include Nucor Corporation, ArcelorMittal, Sims Metal Management Ltd., Commercial Metals Company, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Kuusakoski Group Oy, European Metal Recycling Ltd., Aurubis AG, Novelis Inc. and American Iron & Metal Co.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the recycled metal industry, lockdowns and closures resulted in a considerable reduction in both the production of and demand for scrap metal.

Moreover, the pandemic necessitated operational adjustments within recycling facilities themselves. Temporary closures were commonplace as adherence to public health guidelines became paramount. Upon reopening, facilities had to implement stringent safety protocols to protect workers, including social distancing measures and enhanced sanitation practices. The measures, while crucial for safeguarding public health, inevitably impacted operational efficiency and throughput.

Furthermore, the global economic downturn resulting from the pandemic has had ripple effects on the recycled metal market. Uncertainty surrounding economic recovery and fluctuating commodity prices have added complexity to an already challenging landscape, influencing investment decisions and market dynamics.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Russia-Ukraine war effected the global recycled metal market, significantly influencing major countries' scrap yards and metal industries in various ways. The disruption of metal production and transportation channels has precipitated a notable decrease in the availability of crucial metals such as steel and iron ore. The scarcity in supply has fueled a surge in metal prices, driven by sustained demand, particularly impacting steel and iron ore markets.

Furthermore, the conflict's geopolitical ramifications have triggered the imposition of economic sanctions by entities such as U.S. and the European Union. The sanctions have disrupted international trade flows, exacerbating uncertainty within the metal market and amplifying volatility. As geopolitical tensions persist, the metal recycling market faces a challenging landscape characterized by supply chain disruptions, fluctuating prices and geopolitical instability.

By Type
• Ferrous Metal
• Non-Ferrous Metal
Aluminum
Copper
Lead
Others

By Application
• Construction
• Automotive
• Electronics and Electricals
• Industrial Machinery
• Others

By Region
• North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments
• In May 2023 orbex introduced a pioneering initiative – the world's inaugural marketplace for authenticated recycled metals. Orbex functions as a global platform designed to facilitate the trading of environmentally responsible commodities.
• In August 2023, Researchers at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Germany, in collaboration with a European research project developed a recycling method within the field of hydrogen electrolysis. The achievement is part of the broader ""Recycalyse"" project, focusing on the recyclability of electrode materials for hydrogen electrolysis in alignment with circular economy principles.
• In November 2021, a team of experts from Sensmet unveiled a groundbreaking technology known as µDOES, which holds the potential to revolutionize the recycling and production processes of battery metals. The new technology offers real-time analysis and process control, promising significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of hydrometallurgical processes related to battery metal recycling and manufacturing.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global recycled metal market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of recycled metal market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global recycled metal market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 51 figures and 181 Pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies